ALK-EML4 (Lung) Analyte Control

Our ALK-Lung Analyte Control contains two cell lines that demonstrate positive and negative expression of EML4-ALK associated lung cancer. Ideal for use as a same slide control in immunohistochemistry (IHC) to demonstrate the reagents have been correctly applied to the slide. Available now, please contact sales@histocyte.com or visit one of our distributors.

Cell Line 1: EML4-ALK negative

Cell Line 2: EML4-ALK positive

Introduction

The ALK gene is found on the short arm of chromosome 2. As an oncogene it was first identified as a translocation in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) t(2;5)(p23;q35). In this instance the translocation caused a fusion product with the nucleophosmin gene: NPM-ALK. In reality the ALK translocation is a promiscuous event and associated with numerous fusions in multiple malignancies including EML4-ALK in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Assessment

The presence of ALK translocations can be determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). ALK protein and fusion proteins can be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The most commonly used antibodies on the market, clones 5A4, D5F3 and ALK1, all recognise C-terminus (see respective vendor data sheets). This is the conserved ALK region harbouring the tyrosine kinase domain. Therefore, all of these antibodies should recognise the ALK fusion proteins. In practice, the efficacy of the antibody or its affinity for the target epitope, the relative availability of fusion protein and appropriate epitope retrieval and IHC protocols, mean that variation is seen from laboratory to laboratory. This is evidenced in external quality assurance programs. Our EML4-ALK control slides and blocks have been evaluated by a variety of assays but have been validated using the standardised assay available from Roche/Ventana.

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NPM-ALK (Lymphoma) Analyte Control